Clampdown on clampers

COWBOY wheel clampers face a crackdown under new proposals announced by the Government today.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said she wanted to force clamping firms to be licensed by the industry regulator and set up an easier appeals process for drivers who think they have been unfairly treated.

It is hoped the moves will help end practices used by "rogue" clampers such as sky-high release charges, towing vehicles away unreasonably quickly and not putting up clear signs warning that clamping is in force.

Currently, all individual clampers and bosses must hold a licence from the Security Industry Authority. But the proposals would mean the firm itself must be licensed and comply with a code of conduct.